Funding the Dream

Our acoustic, audio, and design needs along with our commitment to developing a Silver Certified LEED (Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design) building increased our budget from an initial estimate of $1.2 million to almost $4.2 million. Our responsibility to raise money was immense. We hired, and then subsequently fired, two different capital fund raising consultants. While they were both very capable, we did not posses the infrastructure to capitalize on their strengths. We had to meet our goal and our strategy was to mobilize an army of donors and friends to help us. With the solid support of our grant writer, Kenny Weill, we started pumping out capital grants. The Reilly Foundation came on as the first significant supporter of this project - sending us a $100,000 check in the mail. I had never held a check for so much money before, but I knew when I saw it that we would make this happen. In addition to grant writing, we planned several fund raising events. Here is a photo of a bunch of our kids outside of our current home at 202 Maverick Street, getting ready for the annual Walk for Music. Our goal was to raise $10,000, but to our surprise we were able to bring in over $23,000. Go team ZUMIX!



ZUMIX was honored to be one of three organizations chosen by the Lombardo
Corporation to receive support through their annual black-tie fund raising event at Vincent's Nightclub in Randolph. ZUMIX supporters turned out in droves, helping us raise almost $20,000 for the firehouse project. Here I am in my fancy dress pictured with Sal Lombardo (right) and City Councilor Sal LaMattina (left).



The Lombardo's are one of the most prominent East Boston families. Their function hall in Central Square employed hundreds of East Boston residents and served as the primary spot for Italian American families to celebrate weddings, graduations, first communions and other important family occasions. Sadly, this hall no longer exists, but they continue their love and support of East Boston.

In addition to large-scale events like the Hunt Alternative Fund's fabulous Blooming
Arts parties, ZUMIX Board member Julia Wang hosted a roof-top party at her house. It was a lovely summer evening with over 40 people in attendance. ZUMIX participants Jennifer Aldana and Omar Sosa performed a short set, including a wonderful rendition of Hotel California (Jen was nervous about forgetting the lyrics, but Julia brought them up on her Blackberry and saved the day!). An exotic wine somalie and fabulous caterer made this event a real treat. It was also a huge financial success bringing in over $4,000 in new support. Go Julia!